Saturday, October 18, 2008

Chemotherapy and More THANKS!

Thanks again everyone for all the well wishes that keep on coming. It's amazing how many people have seen this in the last couple days and every message I get (here and other places) has helped me keep positive and as each day passes I grow more confident that I will beat this. It's great hearing from everyone...it's really great.

I had my first dose of chemo today and to be honest it wasn't a big deal at all. I was expecting to be sick and miserable but it just never happened. That is encouraging for me and I am looking forward to my next dose and the doses after that to try to get to the next stage of this game.

The staff here at Brigham Women's Hospital have been amazing. The nurses, chemo nurses, doctors, surgeons and techs have been so accommodating to us, and so friendly and just seem like they really want to help (even though we are from NY and mostly Bills, Giants and Yankee fans). I spoke to one of the doctors on my team today and he told me that the team was "agonizing" over how to treat me for this and I was surprised to hear such an emotional word used by a doctor. It felt good to know that they were putting in so much effort behind the scenes to fix this. My primary doctor, (Dr. James Butrynski, MD) specializes in Sarcoma and he has been amazing, spending at least an hour a day with us, answering questions and just talking us through this. He told me today that he is thinking he would discharge me (back to Syracuse) on Monday or Tuesday and I could get my treatment there while under his care. I am excited about that! There is still the question of my heart, which is acting very irregular (not a surprise with an 8cm x 4cm tumor growing inside it) and I will likely need to be looked at frequently and take it easy for a little while. I also talked to him about going back to work, which I want to do very badly (to get back to normal) and he told me he would be open to discussing it with me and my doctors from Syracuse.

There are a lot of things that I have to do when I get home. Most of you know my grandmother passed away on Sunday (the same day I was admitted to the hospital) and I had to miss the calling hours and the funeral to deal with this issue. I feel as if I have no closure and this is a woman who has been a huge part of my life, so my goal when I get back is to find that closure. I feel her and my Pa (grandfather, who we also lost this year) with me every step of the way and I know they are helping me from the other side!

I am very excited about the Bills game tomorrow and anyone who knows me knows that I live and die with the Bills and tomorrow I will miss attending my first home game since 2002, which is kind of depressing. I have always joked that it would take a hospital visit for me to miss a game and now when I say that I am not joking. The good news is that the game is on TV here in Boston so I will get to watch it as the Bills beat the Chargers and move to 5-1.

Talk to everyone soon,

Will.

16 comments:

Kate McCaffrey said...

Night, Will! It was good to hear your voice tonight. Hope your team wins tomorrow...

Aunt Kate

Michael Wilson said...

Will, Chip has been keeping me up to date. I just got the link to your blog. I am so glad you are getting great medical care. I am praying for you.

Jeannie D. said...

Good morning Will, You know I was one of those who needed the directions on how to blog (SMILE!!) We miss you in the office and look forward to your return! Keep your positive attitude because we all know you will beat this!! PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU BACK IN SYRACUSE, ANYTHING, JUST LET US KNOW!!!!! All my best, Jeannie D. (GO BILLS, enjoy the game today)!!!!

Anonymous said...

Will,
I am so excited to hear that you might be coming back to Syracuse! I know you have a million things going on but I would love to stop by and see you. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Keep on with that fighting spirit!

Anonymous said...

cant wait for yo to come home..miss you so much! keep positive ur doing great love you

Beartooth said...

Enjoy the game today, Will.
In your honor, I will also watch the game today.
Go Bills!!

Michelle M

Unknown said...

Will
You know everyone here at football central will be thinking about you and sendng lots of good wishes and prayers your way! So glad to hear your first chemo was a beeze. Just let us know when you are receiving visitors so we can give you those hugs and kisses in person! Have fun watchng the Bills triumph.
Love to you and Shana,
Ajima Joy & Uncle Lenny

Anonymous said...

Will I am very happy to see that you have this blog! Hedie has taken the pictures from your site and has posted it in one of are open boards on the floor. what a hit you are (SMILE!!) I really just want to say thanks for letting every one be a part of this very personal experence with you and your family. I am glad that the chemo did not make you feel sick, the medical field has come a long way with chemo,it's encouraging to know someone who is truely benefitting from that knowledge. Let your mom know that every one on the floor is thinking of you all and are praying for your speady recovery

RS said...

Hi Will,

It was nice to talk with you today. All the mckenneys send their support for your road to recovery.

Talk soon,

John McKenney

Anonymous said...

To Will, Shana, Carol & Bill, Liz and Matt,

You have been in our thoughts 24/7 since we heard about Will's illness. Will's Road to Recovery cleared upa all the questions we had. (Will has writing talent!)

Thank God for our big family, all of whom really care about yu.
Anything we can do to help?
Love, Aunt Sue and Uncle Dick

Anonymous said...

To Will, Shana, Carol & Bill, Liz and Matt,

You have been in our thoughts 24/7 since we heard about Will's illness. Will's Road to Recovery cleared upa all the questions we had. (Will has writing talent!)

Thank God for our big family, all of whom really care about yu.
Anything we can do to help?
Love, Aunt Sue and Uncle Dick

Cousin Tom, Karen, Cain, and Cole said...

To Will,Shana,Carol,Bill, Liz & Matt,

You have been in our thoughts 24/7 since we heard about Will's illness. Will's Road to Recorvery cleared up all the question we had. (Will has writing talent!)

Thank God for our big family, all of whom really care about you.

Anything we can do to help?
Love, Aunt Sue and Uncle Dick

Anonymous said...

Hi Will! I don't think I have seen you since high school but I've kept in touch with Al and he sent me this link. Just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking of you and you are in our prayers! Stay positive. It's great to know that you have such a wonderful wife and family and friends. We are rooting for ya!

Take care!
The Solvay crew

Anonymous said...

Will, Your Dad has been keeping me informed on your day to day progress. My family has kept you at the top of our prayers every night. You are a young, strong, determined man, that has a wealth of family and friends that will love and support you through difficult times. You are a true statue of courage. Get Well, THE BILLS NEED YOU.

Anonymous said...

Hey Will, I'm glad to hear chemo went so well for you. You're in my thoughts and prayers every day! You are greatly missed around the office. Keep up your positive attitude and the blogging.

Anonymous said...

Will,
Glad to hear you are feeling well and your spirits seem great. You are really missed around here at the office. Can't wait to have our Sons of Anarchy & Shield discussions again. Praying for you.